03/05/2024
Dedication
By 1981, people had discovered that they could get married anywhere in the Virgin Islands, which included not only private homes, but also beaches, mountain tops, deserted cays, sailboats, fishing boats, underwater with scuba tanks, resorts, bars, restaurants, at sunrise after walking through the bush with flashlights, midnight under a Full Moon at Annaberg, the Baths, by helicopter, seaplane, yacht, cruise ship, in botanical gardens and even in the hospital. There was only one person available for these services at the time and I had contracted tonsillitis. When the usual antibiotics didn't work, I was admitted to Schneider Hospital after a crazy ferry ride from Cruz Bay and spent almost eight hours in a makeshift triage set up in ER while waiting for a room. During my recovery a wedding had been scheduled, so I informed the couple of my condition and told them we would do their ceremony after my release. They told me both families were flying from the States for a reception and asked if I could do their ceremony from my hospital room. I of course agreed and the hospital staff thought it was great. The IV is hooked up to my arm and my gown is not the one usually worn to a wedding, but the deed was done and everyone was happy. The title Dedication seemed appropriate for my attitude toward life and it has never let me down...
